Ovenbird

The Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapilla, is a member of the New World warbler family, Parulidae. It is a small songbird with a distinctive appearance, often mistaken for a thrush by those unfamiliar with its kind. The bird's upperparts are olive-brown, while the underparts are white with bold black streaks. An orange crown stripe bordered by blackish-brown lines adorns the top of its head, which can be raised into a crest. The Ovenbird's eyes are encircled by a white ring, and it has a black line below its cheek, adding to its striking visage.

Identification Tips

Adult Ovenbirds are between 11–16 cm in length with a wingspan of 19–26 cm. They weigh an average of 19 grams, with a range of 14–28.8 grams. The species exhibits sexual monomorphism, meaning males and females are visually similar. Juveniles can be identified by the tawny edges on their wing feathers and the more extensive olive-green tips on their crown feathers, which cover the orange stripe.

Habitat

Ovenbirds select mature deciduous and mixed forests with minimal undergrowth for their breeding grounds. They prefer woodlands with a rich undergrowth of shrubs for foraging, thriving in a blend of primary and secondary forest habitats.

Distribution

This migratory species breeds in eastern North America and winters in Central America, the Caribbean, Florida, and northern Venezuela. Ovenbirds have been recorded as vagrants in Europe and, on rare occasions, in Northern California.

Behaviour

Ovenbirds are solitary or found in mated pairs during the breeding season, with their young in tow for a brief period. They are territorial throughout the year. During migration, they may travel in larger groups but disperse upon arrival at their destination. On the ground, they exhibit a distinctive walking behavior, often tilting their tail up and bobbing their head.

Song & Calls

The Ovenbird's primary song is a loud, emphatic series of bisyllabic notes, crescendoing towards the end. Males also perform a complex aerial song at dusk, similar to a skylark's display. Their call is a sharp "chik!" which can vary in pitch, and when alarmed, they may emit a high, rising "siiii."

Breeding

The female Ovenbird constructs a unique, dome-shaped nest on the ground, woven from vegetation and featuring a side entrance. She typically lays 4-5 speckled eggs, which she incubates alone for 11-14 days. Both parents feed the altricial young, which take their first flight at 8-11 days of age.

Similar Species

Due to its size and coloration, the Ovenbird may be confused with thrushes by novice birdwatchers.

Diet and Feeding

Ovenbirds primarily consume terrestrial arthropods, snails, and during the winter, they supplement their diet with fruit. They forage on the ground, often in dead leaves, and may catch insects in flight.

Conservation Status

The Ovenbird is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. While it faces threats from nest predation and parasitism by the brown-headed cowbird, its population numbers are stable.